Bale stacker

ABSTRACT

A bale stacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating a plurality of bales into a bale stack. The bale stacker including a bale stacker chassis supported for translational motion over a surface and one or more: of a bale lift, a bale receiving platform disposed over the bale stacker chassis to receive bales released from the bale lift, a bale transfer table disposing a plurality of bales in bale stack, a bale stack bed having at least one fork movable to abut a bale stack on said bale stack bed, a bale shuffler operable to engage the bale stack to align the bales in the bale stack, and a bale stack push of operable to engage the bale stack disposed on said bale stack bed in primarily vertical orientation to push a plurality of bale stacks off from the bale stack bed.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A bale stacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating aplurality of bales into a bale stack.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Forage, such as hay and crop residue, such as corn stalks and straw ofcereal plants, can be formed into bales having substantially uniformrectangular dimensions of bale length (L), bale width (W) and baleheight (H). A bale has a bottom wall opposite a top wall each havingsubstantially identical area of L×W, and having two opposite sidewalls,each having substantially identical area H×L, and having to opposite endwalls, each having substantially identical area H×W. If the forage is tobe transported or stored, the bales can be consolidated in a bale stackby abutting a bottom wall to a top wall and optionally further abuttingbale stack side walls to consolidate a plurality of bale stacks into abale bundle.

Bale stackers to consolidate bales into bale stacks are known; however,conventional machines have a number disadvantages in picking bales up,moving individual bales into a bale stack, aligning the bale walls in abale stack, aligning stack walls in a plurality of bale stacks, orpushing bale stacks or bale bundles off from the bale stacker, whichdisadvantages can reduce the uniformity of the bale stack or bale bundlewhich can result in unstable bale stacks or bale bundles which maydissociate and require re-stacking, or damage or break open balesresulting in lost forage. Additionally, the disadvantages reduce thespeed and capacity of the bale stacker.

There would be substantial advantages in a bale stacker which addressedthe disadvantages in the conventional bale stacker resulting in moreuniform bale stacks and bale bundles and increased speed and capacity ofa bale stacker.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a balestacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating a pluralityof bales into a bale stack. The bale stacker including a bale stackerchassis supported for translational motion over a surface, andincluding:

a bale lift having a pair of elongate lift arms pivotally coupled to thechassis front end by lift arm first ends and lift arm second endsrotatably coupled to a bale gripper head including a bale grippercrosspiece and a pair of bale gripper arms each including one elongatebar correspondingly pivotally coupled by gripper arm first ends toopposite bale gripper crosspiece ends and outwardly extending toterminate in a gripper arm second ends, the bale gripper head operablegrip a bale and rotate to lift the bale from the surface, the pair ofelongate arms rotatable from a primarily horizontal orientation to aprimarily vertical orientation in relation to the bale stacker chassis;

a bale receiving platform disposed over the bale stacker chassis toreceive bales released from said bale gripper head and rotate from aprimarily horizontal orientation in relation to the bale stacker chassistoward an angle of up to about 50 degrees to cause the bale to slide offfrom said bale receiving platform;

a bale transfer table pivotally coupled to the bale stacker chassis andextending in an angled relation to the bale stacker chassis to receive aplurality of bales sliding off from the bale receiving platform in abale stack on the bale transfer table, the bale transfer table rotatableto a primarily vertical orientation in relation to said bale stackerchassis to dispose the bale stack in primarily vertical orientation tothe bale stacker chassis;

a bale stack bed having a bale stack bed first end pivotally coupled tothe bale stacker chassis and extending at an angle of about twentydegrees to said bale stacker chassis with said bale stack bed second enddisposed proximate and above said bale transfer table first end and atleast one fork movable between the bale stack bed first end and saidbale stack bed second end, whereby, the bale stack on said bale transfertable abuts said bale stack bed second end which acts a fulcrum on whichthe bale stack pivots as the bale transfer table rotates towardprimarily vertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis, therebydisposing the bale stack onto the bale stack bed and abutting the atleast one fork moved toward said bale stack bed second end;

a bale shuffler including a pair of bale shuffler arms pivotally coupledby bale shuffler arm first ends to opposite bale stacker chassis sidesof the bale stacker chassis and upwardly extending on opposite balestack bed sides proximate said bale stack bed first end to terminate inbale shuffler arm second ends, the pair of bale shuffler arms rotatableto decrease distance between said bale shuffler arm second ends toengage opposite bale sides of the bale stack to align the bale sides inthe bale stack disposed on the bale stack bed and a plurality of baleshuffler cross members coupled in spaced apart angled relation to eachof the pair of bale shuffler arms adapted to correspondingly engage apair of bale stacks disposed on the bale stack bed to align bale stacksides of said pair of bale stacks; and

a bale stack push off coupled to said bale stack bed, the bale push offextendable to engage the bale stack sides of a plurality of bale stacksdisposed on said bale stack bed with the bale stack bed disposed inprimarily vertical orientation to said bale stacker chassis with the atleast one fork disposed proximate the surface, and to push the pluralityof bale stacks off from the at least one fork to dispose the pluralityof bale stacks on the surface.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a bale liftadapted to pivotally couple to a bale stacker, including a pair ofelongate lift arms adapted to pivotally couple in spaced apart relationto a bale stacker chassis by lift arm first ends and outwardly extendingfrom the chassis to terminate in lift arm second ends, the pair ofelongate lift arms rotatable from a primarily horizontal orientation toa primarily vertical orientation in relation to the bale stackerchassis, and a bale gripper head, including a bale gripper crosspiecerotatably coupled to the lift arm second ends of the pair of elongatelift arms, and a pair of bale gripper arms each including one elongatebar having gripper arm first ends correspondingly pivotally coupled toopposite bale gripper crosspiece ends and outwardly extending from thebale gripper crosspiece ends to terminate in a gripper arm second ends,the pair of bale gripper arms rotatable to increase or decrease distancebetween the gripper arm second ends to grip a bale disposed on a surfacebetween the pair of gripper arms, and the bale gripper crosspiecerotatable to lift the bale from the surface, and the pair of elongatelift arms rotatable to lift the bale over a bale receiving surface.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a bale stackerincluding a bale transfer table having a bale transfer table first endpivotally coupled to a bale stacker chassis of the bale stacker andextending in an angled relation to said bale stacker chassis to a baletransfer table second end, the bale transfer table receiving a pluralityof bales which upon said bale transfer table into a bale stack, and abale stack bed including a bale stack bed first end pivotally mountedproximate the bale stacker chassis and extending at an angle of abouttwenty degrees to the bale stacker chassis to dispose the bale stack bedsecond end proximate and above the bale transfer table first end toallow the bale stack bed second end to abut a bale stack disposed on thebale stack transfer table, thereby providing a fulcrum on which saidbale stack pivots as the bale transfer table moves toward a primarilyvertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis to dispose a bale stackproximate the bale stack bed second end, and optionally, furtherincluding at least one fork disposed in generally orthogonal relation tothe bale stack bed movable between the bale stack bed first end and saidbale stack bed second end to allow the at least one fork to abut thebale stack disposed on said bale stack bed.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a bale stackerincluding a bale shuffler including a pair of bale shuffler arms adaptedto pivotally couple to opposite bale stacker chassis sides of a balestacker chassis of the bale stacker, the pair of bale shuffler armsupwardly extending on opposite bale stack bed sides of a bale stack bedto terminate in bale shuffler arm second ends, the pair of bale shufflerarms pivotally coupled to opposite bale stacker chassis sides of saidbale stacker each rotatable about a pivot axis by operation of ahydraulic cylinder to decrease distance between the bale shuffler armsecond ends, the pair of bale shuffler arms engaging opposite bale sidesof a bale stack to align a plurality of bale end walls in a bale stack,and optionally including, a plurality of bale shuffler cross memberscoupled in spaced apart angled relation to each of the pair of baleshuffler arms, the plurality of bale shuffler cross members adapted tocorrespondingly engage a pair of bale stacks disposed on said bale stackbed to align bale stack sides of a pair of bale stacks.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 2 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stacker.

FIG. 3 is rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 4 is first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stacker.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale stacker.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a balestacker.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale lift.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale lift.

FIG. 10 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 11 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 12 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 13 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale lift.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 16 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale receiving platform.

FIG. 17 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale receiving platform.

FIG. 18 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale receiving platform.

FIG. 19 is rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale transfertable.

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a baletransfer table.

FIG. 22 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 23 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 24 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 25 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale transfer table.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale stackbed.

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale stackbed.

FIG. 28 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 29 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 30 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 31 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale stack bed.

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a baleshuffler.

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a baleshuffler.

FIG. 34 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 35 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 36 is a front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 37 is a rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale shuffler.

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale pushoff.

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a bale pushoff.

FIG. 40 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale push off.

FIG. 41 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of abale push off.

FIG. 42 is front end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balepush off.

FIG. 43 is rear end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a balepush off.

FIG. 44 is a top plan view illustrating of a method of gripping a balewith a particular embodiment of a bale gripper.

FIG. 45 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method of grippinga bale with a particular embodiment of a bale gripper.

FIG. 46 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method of liftinga bale with a particular embodiment of a bale gripper to a positionabove a bale receiving platform.

FIG. 47 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method of rotatinga particular embodiment of a bale gripper to a position a bale on a balereceiving platform.

FIG. 48 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which abale has been positioned on a bale receiving platform.

FIG. 49 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale receiving platform inclines to allow afirst bale to slide from the bale receiving platform to a bale transfertable.

FIG. 50 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale receiving platform inclines to allow asecond bale to slide from the bale receiving platform to a particularembodiment of a bale transfer table.

FIG. 51 is a first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aplurality of bales stack on a particular embodiment of a bale transfertable.

FIG. 52 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale transfer table rotates to a primarilyvertical orientation to transfer a bale stack from a particularembodiment of a bale transfer table to a particular embodiment of balestack bed.

FIG. 53 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale transfer table rotates from a primarilyvertical orientation an inclined orientation to dispose a first balestack on a particular embodiment of a bale stack bed.

FIG. 54 is rear end elevation view illustrating a first bale stackdisposed on a particular embodiment of a bale stack bed between aparticular embodiment of a bale shuffler with bale ends misaligned.

FIG. 55 is rear end elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale shuffler engaging opposite bale stacksides to move bale ends of a first bale stack into alignment.

FIG. 56 is a rear end perspective view of a bale stacker having a twobale stacks disposed on an embodiment of the bale stack bed.

FIG. 57 is a first side elevation view of a bale stacker having a fivebale stacks disposed on an embodiment of the bale stack bed.

FIG. 58 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale stack bed rotates from an inclinedorientation to a primarily vertical orientation to dispose a pluralityof bales stacks in a bale bundle proximate a support surface.

FIG. 59 is first side elevation view illustrating a method in which aparticular embodiment of a bale push off outwardly extends to push abale bundle off from the bale stack bed to a support surface.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, reference is made to FIGS. 1 through 59, to describeembodiments of a bale stacker (1) and methods of using the bale stacker(1) for consolidating a plurality of bales (2) in a bale stack (3) orbale bundles (4). Embodiments of the bale stacker (1) include a balestacker chassis (5) having a chassis front end (6) and a chassis rearend (7), the bale stacker chassis (5) supported for translational motionover a surface (8). The bale stacker chassis (5) can support a drivetrain (9) including an engine (10), a transmission (11) and a pluralityof wheels (12) the components of which can be selected by those ofordinary skill in the art depending on environmental conditions andapplication parameters which condition operation of bale stacker (1).Embodiments can further include a hydraulic drive system (13) includinga hydraulic pump (14) driven by an electric motor or the engine (10) ofthe bale stacker (1) and a plurality of hydraulic actuators (15)comprising a hydraulic motor (HM) or a hydraulic cylinder (HC) to driveparticular components of the bale stacker (1), as further describedherein. The components of the hydraulic drive system (13) can beselected by those of ordinary skill in the art depending onenvironmental and application parameters which condition operation ofthe component parts of the bale stacker (1). Embodiments can furtherinclude a controller (16) operable to control certain functions ormovements of the drive train (9) or hydraulic drive system (13) of balestacker (1) based on input from sensors (17) disposed to sense themovement or relative position of various components of the bale stacker(1), the bale stack chassis (5), or components thereof. The sensors (17)can include as illustrative examples: image sensor (camera), infraredsensor (infrared camera), accelerometer, capacitive or capacitivedisplacement sensors, doppler effect sensor, eddy current sensors,inductive sensors, magnetic sensors, photoelectric sensors, reflectivitysensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, fiber optics sensor, halleffect sensors, touch switch, or combinations thereof. The controller(16) can comprise a mechanical controller, an electro-mechanicalcontroller, or electronic controller, or combinations thereof, which caninclude a processor (18) in communication with a non-transitory computerreadable media (19) containing a program (20) including programsubroutines, modules, or partitions of the logic executable undercontrol of the processor (18) to carry out functions of the program(20), controllers, logic control circuits, and other elements ofembodiments may be shown in block diagram form. Moreover, specificimplementations shown and described are exemplary only and should not beconstrued as the only way to implement the present disclosure unlessspecified otherwise herein. Additionally, block definitions andpartitioning of logic between various blocks is exemplary of specificimplementations; however, the present disclosure may be practiced bynumerous other partitioning solutions. For the most part, detailsconcerning timing considerations and the like have been omitted wheresuch details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of thepresent disclosure by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Asused herein, “primarily horizontal” means more horizontal than verticaland “primarily vertical” means more vertical than horizontal in relationto the bale stacker chassis (5).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, the bale stacker (1)includes one or more of a bale lift (21), a bale receiving platform(22), a bale transfer table (23), a bale stack bed (24), a bale shuffler(25) and a bale push off (26) each of which can be made and used apartfrom the other components or used in various permutations andcombinations in a bale stacker (1). In the illustrative examplesprovided by the Figures, the bale lift (21), the bale receiving platform(22), the bale transfer table (23), the bale stack bed (24), the baleshuffler (25) and the bale push off (26) are all incorporated into aparticular illustrative embodiment of the bale stacker (1); however thisis not intended to preclude embodiments that include only one, or fewerthan all, or all of the bale lift (21), the bale receiving platform(22), the bale transfer table (23), the bale stack bed (24), the baleshuffler (25) and the bale push off (26).

The Bale Lift. For economic reasons, including reducing labor costs andstorage requirements, forage or crop residues formed into small bales(2) has been largely replaced by larger bales (2) each weighing upwardsof 2000 pounds. These large bales (2) left in the field must be liftedand transported individually or lifted for consolidation into balestacks (3) or bale bundles (4); however, embodiments of the bale lift(21), the bale receiving platform (22), the bale transfer table (23),the bale stack bed (24), the bale shuffler (25) and the bale push off(26), whether individually or collectively in various permutations andcombinations of a bale stacker (1) can be scaled for use with bales (2)having any particular H×L×W whether considered by those of ordinaryskill in the art to be small bales (2) or large bales (2).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 8 through 13, particularembodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need not necessarily,include a bale lift (21) including a pair of elongate lift arms (27)pivotally coupled in spaced apart relation to the chassis front end (6)of the bale stacker chassis (5) by lift arm first ends (28). The pair ofelongate lift arms (27) can outwardly extend from the chassis front end(5) to terminate in lift arm second ends (29). The pair of elongate liftarms (27) can rotate about a pivot axis (PA1) from a primarilyhorizontal orientation relative to the bale stacker chassis (5)(as shownin the example of FIGS. 44 and 45) to a primarily vertical orientationin relation to bale stacker chassis (5) (as shown in the example of FIG.46). The pair of elongate lift arms (27) can, but need not necessarily,comprise tubular steel members. A lift arm crossmember (30) can bedisposed proximate lift arm second ends (29). In particular embodiments,a lift arm hydraulic actuator (31) in the form of a hydraulic cylinder(HC1) can be interposed between the chassis front end (6) and the liftarm crossmember (30) which by movement of a piston rod within a barrelof the hydraulic cylinder (HC1) generates push or pull force (F1) tocorrespondingly rotate the pair of elongate lift arms (27) about thepivot axis (PA1).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 8 through 13, the bale lift (21)can further include a bale gripper head (32) coupled to the pair ofelongate lift arms (27) which operates to grip opposite bale end walls(33′)(33″) with sufficient compressive forces (F2) to allow the bale (2)to be lifted by operation of the pair of elongate arms (27) and the balegripper head (32). In particular embodiments, the bale gripper head (32)can include a bale gripper crosspiece (34) rotatably coupled to lift armsecond ends (29) of the pair of elongate lift arms (27). A bale grippercrosspiece lever (35) a can extend outward of the bale grippercrosspiece (34) toward the chassis front end (6). A bale grippercrosspiece actuator (36), which can be in the form off a hydrauliccylinder (HC2), can be interposed between the lift arm crosspiece (34)and the bale gripper crosspiece lever (35) to generate push or pullforce (F3) to correspondingly rotate the bale gripper crosspiece (34)about pivot axis (PA2). The bale gripper head (32) can further include apair of bale gripper arms (37′)(37″) each including one elongate bar(38) having a gripper arm first ends (39′)(39″) correspondinglypivotally coupled to opposite bale gripper crosspiece ends (40′)(40″)and outwardly extending from the bale gripper crosspiece ends (40′)(40″)to terminate in a gripper arm second ends (41′)(41″). The one elongatebar (38) of each of the pair of bale gripper arms (37′)(37″) can, butneed not necessarily be, generally rectangular in cross section (asshown in the example of FIG. 13); however, this is not intended topreclude embodiments of the one elongate bar (38) of each of the pair ofbale gripper arms (37′)(37″) that may have a different configuration incross section including one or more of any polygonal, quadrilateral,parallelogram or other cross sectional structure that confers theadvantage of affording a one elongate bar (38) bale gripper arm(37′)(37″).

As shown in the illustrative examples of FIGS. 12 and 13, the oppositebale gripper crosspiece ends (40′)(40″) can each include a bifurcatemount (42′)(42″) each affording a pair of legs (43′)(43″) between whichone elongate bar (38) of a corresponding gripper arm (37′)(37″) can bepivotally coupled, whereby the pair of bale gripper arms (37′)(37″) canbe correspondingly rotated about pivot axis (PA3)(PA4) to increase ordecrease distance between said gripper arm second ends (41′)(41″) togrip a bale (2) between the pair of gripper arms (37′)(37″). Inparticular embodiments, each pivot axis (PA3)(PA4) can be disposedmedially between gripper arm first and second ends (41′)(41″)(42′)(42″),to provide a first gripper arm portion (44) and a second gripper armportion (45) extending in opposite directions from each pivot axis(PA3)(PA4). Gripper arm actuators (46′)(46″), hydraulic cylinders(HC3)(HC4), can be correspondingly interposed between each gripper armfirst end (39′)(39″) and the gripper arm crosspiece (34) to generatepush or pull force (F4)(F5) to correspondingly rotate each of the pairof gripper arms (37′)(37″) about a corresponding pivot axis (PA3)(PA4)to increase or decrease distance between the gripper arm second ends(41′)(41″). There can be an substantial advantage in a pair of gripperarms (37′)(37″) which each comprise one elongate bar (38) in thatcompressive force (F4)(F5) delivered by the pair of gripper arms(37′)(37″) configured as or consisting of only one elongate bar (38)provide substantially greater grip on the opposite bale end walls(33′)(33″) which can reduce or alleviate slippage of the bale (2)gripped by the pair of gripper arms (37″)(37″). In particularembodiments, bale gripper arms (37′) (37″) including only one bar (38)can further include a gripper arm end piece (47′) (47″) joined to thegripper arm second end (41′) (41″). The gripper arm end pieces(47′)(47″) can correspondingly extend inward from each of the pair ofgripper arms (37′)(37″), extending toward one another, to enhancecompressive forces (F4)(F5) proximate the gripper arm second ends(41′)(41″). In particular embodiments, the gripper arm second ends (41′)(41″) can medially join a cylindrical gripper arm end piece (47′) (47″)(as shown in the example of FIG. 11).

Bale Receiving Platform. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 14 through19, particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale receiving platform (22) disposed over thebale stacker chassis (5). The bale receiving platform (22) can belocated to receive bales (2) released from the bale gripper head (32)(as shown in the example of FIGS. 45 through 51). The bale gripper head(32) having gripped a bale (2) between the pair of bale gripper arms(37′)(37″)(as shown in the example of FIG. 44) can be rotated aboutpivot axis (PA2) to lift the bale from a surface (8) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 45). The pair of elongate lift arms (27′)(27″) can thenbe rotated about pivot axis (PA1) to a primarily vertical orientation todispose the bale (2) over the bale receiving platform (22) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 46). The bale gripper head (32) can be furtherrotated about pivot axis (PA2) to engage a bale sidewall (49) with thebale receiving platform (22) (as shown in the example of FIG. 47). Thepair of bale gripper arms (37′)(37″) can then be rotated about pivotaxis (PA3)(PA4) to increase distance between the gripper arm second ends(41′)(41″) to release the bale (2) from the bale gripper head (32) todispose the bale (2) on the bale receiving platform (22) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 48).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 14 through 19, the bale receivingplatform (22) can include a generally flat bale receiving top surface(50) opposite a bale receiving platform bottom surface (51) joined bybale receiving platform sides (52). The bale receiving platform (22)can, but need not necessarily, be a rectangular framework (53) includingtwo pairs of opposite platform side members (54′)(54″)(55′)(55″) and asufficient number of spaced apart cross members (56) to provide thegenerally flat bale receiving top surface (50) to support the bales (2);however, this is not intended to preclude embodiments which define adifferent configuration of the bale receiving platform side members(54), useful in receiving a bale (2). The bale receiving platform (22)can supported above and in primarily horizontal relation to the balestacker chassis (5) on a front support member(s) (57) and a rearplatform support member(s) (58). The bale receiving platform (22) can bepivotally coupled by a bale receiving platform rear end (59) to the rearsupport members (58) and rest upon the front support members (57). Thebale receiving platform (22) can rotate about the rear support member(s)(58) on pivot axis (PA5). A bale receiving platform actuator(s)(a (60),hydraulic cylinder (HC5), can be interposed between the rear supportmember (58) and the bale receiving platform bottom surface (51) of thebale receiving platform (22) to generate push pull forces (F6) to liftthe bale receiving platform (22) from the front support member (57) inangled relation to the bale stacker chassis (52) to allow a bale (2) toslidingly disengage the generally flat bale receiving surface (50)(asshown in the example of FIGS. 49 and 50). A substantial problem withconventional bale receiving platforms (50) can be that bales (2) do notslidably disengage because the frictional forces (FF) are not overcomeby angled orientation of the bale receiving surface (50) which inconventional platforms has an angle of inclination limited to about 15degrees to about 20 degrees. It has been discovered that the problem canreside in the moisture content of the bale (2), or the type of foragebaled, or the ambient environmental conditions, or combinations thereof,which causes a substantial increase in frictional forces (FF) betweenthe bale (2) and the generally flat bale receiving top surface (50).This problem has been resolved in embodiments of the inventive balereceiving platform (22) by, first, reducing the bale receiving surfacearea (61) to the fewest number of spaced apart crossmembers (56) basedupon the H×L×W of the bales (2), and reducing the dimensional relationsof each crossmember (56) engaging the bale (2) to reduce frictionalforces (FF), or second, increasing the angle that can be achieved in thebale receiving top surface (50) from the conventional 15 degrees to 20degrees to an incrementally adjustable angle of up to about 50 degrees,or combinations thereof, to afford reliable sliding disengagement of thebale (2) over the bale receiving top surface (50) of the bale receivingplatform (22) regardless of the forage baled, the moisture content (andeven if the bale (2) is wet), the ambient environmental conditions, andcombinations thereof.

Bale Transfer Table. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 20 through 25,particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale transfer table (23) which disposes bales (2)sliding off from the bale receiving platform (22) into a bale stack (3).The bale transfer table (23) can have a bale transfer table first end(63) pivotally coupled to the bale stacker chassis (5) to allow the baletransfer table (23) to rotate about pivot axis (PA6). The bale transfertable (23) can extend in an angled relation to the bale stacker chassis(5) to dispose a bale transfer table second end (64) proximate the balereceiving platform rear end (59). The bale transfer table (23) can bedisposed at a bale transfer table first angle (65) of about 30 degreesto about 40 degrees in relation to the bale stacker chassis (5) toreceive bales (2) which slide off from the bale receiving platform(22)(as shown in the example of FIGS. 50 and 51). Under influence ofgravity (G) a first bale (2′) can slide toward the bale transfer tablefirst end (63) (as shown in the example of FIG. 51). Similarly, a secondor more bales (2″) can slide under influence of gravity (G) toward thebale receiving table first end (63) to dispose bale sidewalls (49) inabutted engagement to generate a bale stack (3) of two or more bales (2)on the bale transfer table (23) (as shown in the example of FIG. 52). Byoperation of a bale transfer table actuator (66), hydraulic cylinder(HC6), to generate push or pull forces (F7), the bale transfer table(23) can be rotated about pivot axis (PA6) to establish the bale stack(3) in primarily vertical relation to the bale stacker chassis (5) (asshown in the example of FIG. 53).

Bale Stack Bed. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 26 through 31,particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale stack bed (24) including a bale stack bedfirst end (68) opposite a bale stack bed second end (69). The bale stackbed (24) can be pivotally mounted proximate the bale stack bed first end(68) to the bale stacker chassis (5) to allow rotation of said balestack bed about pivot axis (PA7). The bed stack bed (24) can be disposedat a bale stack bed first angle (70) of about 15 degrees to about 25degrees to the bale stacker chassis (5) with the bale stack bed secondend (69) disposed adjacent and above the bale transfer table first end(63). The bale stack bed first angle (70), or the structuralrelationship between the bed stack bed (24) and the bale transfer table(23), and combinations thereof, confer substantial advantages overconventional bed stack beds (24) disposed horizontal to the bale stackerchassis (5) or distal from the a bed transfer table (23). In the firstinstance, as shown in the example of FIG. 51, the bale stack bed secondend (69) disposed in angled relation to the bale transfer table firstend (63)(the illustrative example of FIG. 51 depicting a bale stack bedfirst angle of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees) can engage a firstbale sidewall (49′) of a first bale (2′) in a bale stack (3) on the baletransfer table (23). This engagement with the first bale sidewall (49′)of a first bale (2) acts as fulcrum or pivot point (PP) on which thebale stack (3) can pivot as the bale transfer table (23) rotates aboutpivot axis (PA6) to dispose the bale stack (3) in primarily verticalrelation to the bale stack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIG.52). Accordingly, as the bale transfer table (23) rotates to abut thebale stack bed second end (69) in primarily vertical relation to thebale stacker chassis (5), a first bale stack (3′) can be disposed on thebale stack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIG. 53). In the secondinstance, the bale stack bed first angle (70) allows the influence ofgravity (G) to assist in moving the first bale stack (3′) toward thebale stack bed first end (68) as a second bale stack (3″)(or a third ormore bale stacks (3)) transfers from the bale transfer table (23) to thebale stack bed (24)(as shown in the examples of FIGS. 57 through 58).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 26 through 31, the bale stack bed(24) can further include at least one fork (71) disposed in primarilyvertical relation to the bale stack bed (24) and movable between thebale stack bed first end (68) and the bale stack bed second end (69). Inthe illustrative example of FIG. 30, the bed stack bed (24) includes apair of forks (71′) (71″) correspondingly upwardly extending from a pairof fork carriages (72′)(72″) each having opposite carriage sides(73′)(73″) movably correspondingly engaged to a pair of carriage guides(74′)(74″) extending between the bale stack bed first end (68) and thebale stack bed second end (69) whereby movement of the pair of forkcarriages (72′)(72″) corresponding move the pair of forks (71′)(71″)toward the bale stack bed second end (69). In the illustrative example,each of the pair of carriage guides (74′)(74″) comprises a pair of guidechannels (75′)(75″) having open channel sides (76′)(76″) disposed inopposed spaced apart relation to correspondingly receive oppositecarriage sides (73′)(73″) each including a plurality of rollers (77)which correspondingly roll within the pair of guide channels (75′)(75″).A carriage actuator (78), including a hydraulic cylinder (HC7) disposedmedially between the pair of carriage guides (74′)(74″), operates togenerate pulling force (F7) on a pair of cables (79) correspondingconnected through a pully assembly (80) to the pair of fork carriages(72′)(72″) to move the pair of fork carriages (72′)(72″) toward the balestack bed second end (69). The pair of forks (71′) (71″) can bepositioned to engage the bale stack side (81) as a first bale stack (3′)transfers from the bale transfer table (23) to the bale stack bed (24).The at least one fork (71′)(71″) can be moved toward the bale stack bedfirst end (68) by influence of gravity (G) on the first bale stack (3′)having abutted engagement to the pair of forks (71′)(71″) to providespace proximate the bale stack bed second end (69) to receive a secondbale stack (3″). Receipt of the second bale stack (3″) on the bale stackbed (24), as above described, can further urge the first bale stack (3″)abutted against the pair of forks (71′)(71″) toward bale stack bed firstend (68). The carriage actuator (78), can be further operated orsufficiently resist movement of the pair of forks (71′)(71″) toward thebale stack bed first end (68) to compress the first bale stack (3′) andthe second bale stack (3″) and subsequent bale stacks against the baletransfer table (23) to further assure abutted engagement of bale stacksides (81) on the bale stack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIG.51).

Bale Shuffler. Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 32 through 37,particular embodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need notnecessarily, include a bale shuffler (25) including a pair of baleshuffler arms (82′) (82″) each pivotally coupled by bale shuffler armfirst ends (83′) (83″) to opposite bale stacker chassis sides (84′)(84″)of the bale stacker chassis (5). The pair of bale shuffler arms (82′)(82″) each upwardly extend to a primarily vertical orientation relativeto the opposite bale stack bed sides (84′) (84″) proximate said balestack bed second end (69) to terminate in bale shuffler arm second ends(85′) (85″). Each of the pair of bale shuffler arms (82′) (82″) cancorrespondingly rotate about a pivot axis (PA8) (PA9) by operation ofcorresponding pair of bale shuffler arm actuators (86′)(86″), includinghydraulic cylinders (HC9)(HC10) interposed between a corresponding balestacker chassis side (84′)(84″) and a corresponding one of the baleshuffler arm first ends (83′)(83″), to decrease distance between thebale shuffler arm second ends (85′)(85″). The pair of bale shuffler arms(82′) (82″) can be operated to engage opposite bale stack end walls(87′) (87″) of a first bale stack (3′), and each subsequent bale stack(3″, 3′″ . . . ), to align misaligned opposite bale stack ends (87′)(87″) in the first bale stack (3′) or subsequent bale stacks (3″, 3′″ .. . ) on the bale stack bed (24) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 56through 57). Embodiments of the bale shuffler (25) having bale shufflerarms (82′) (82″) that pivot about corresponding pivot axis (PA8)(PA9) byoperation of hydraulic cylinders (HC9)(HC10) apply substantially greatercompression force (CF) to opposite bale stack end walls (87′) (87″) ascompared to conventional devices to align bales (2) within a bale stack(3).

Particular embodiments of the bale shuffler arms (82′) (82″) can includeat least one bale shuffler upright members (88′) (88″) extending inprimarily vertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis (5) andhaving at least one bale shuffler compressor member (89′) (89″) disposedto engage opposite bale end walls (33′) (33″) or each bale (2) in a balestack (3). The at least one bale shuffler compressor member (89′) (89″)can extend in angled or generally orthogonal relation to the baleshuffler upright member (88′) (88″) which by operation of the pair ofbale shuffler actuators (86′) (86″) engages each bale shufflercompressor member (89′) (89″) with a corresponding one of the oppositebale end walls (33′) (33″) in a bale stack (3) to align opposite baleend walls (87′) (87″) in a bale stack (3) (as shown in the examples ofFIGS. 54 and 55). In particular embodiments as shown in the illustrativeexamples, the bale shuffler upright members (88′)(88″) and the baleshuffler compressor members (89′) (89″) can comprise cylindrical members(90′) (90″) affording arcuate external surfaces (91′) (91″) over whichthe engaged opposite bale end walls (33′) (33″) can more readily slideto be aligned in the corresponding bale stack (3).

Bale Stack Push Off. Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 26 through31, in particular embodiments, the bale stack bed (24) pivotally mountedproximate the bale stack bed first end (68) to the bale stacker chassis(5) can rotate about pivot axis (PA7) by operation of hydraulic actuator(67) which can comprise hydraulic cylinder (HC8) to generate push orpull forces (F8) to dispose the bale stack bed (24) in primarilyvertical orientation to the bale stacker chassis rear end (7) (as shownin the example of FIG. 60). The at least one fork or pair of forks (71′)(71″) moved proximate the bale stack bed first end (68) can engage ornearly engage the surface (8) supporting the bale stacker (1).Correspondingly, the bale stacks (3′) (3″ . . . ) disposed on the balestack bed (24) and having the first bale stack (3″) engaged with thepair of forks (71′)(71″) can be correspondingly rotated to dispose thefirst bale stack side wall (49′) proximate the surface (8) supportingthe bale stacker (1) (as shown in the example of FIG. 58).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 38 through 43, particularembodiments of the bale stacker (1) can, but need not necessarily,include a bale stack push off (26) coupled to the bale stack bed (24)operable between a retracted condition (92) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 38 through 39) and an extended condition (93) (as shown in FIGS.40-43 and 59) to push bale stacks (3′)(3″ . . . ) off from the at leastone fork or a pair of forks (71′) (71″) onto the surface (8) supportingthe bale stacker (1)(as shown in the example of FIG. 59). As shown inthe illustrative example of FIG. 26, in particular embodiments, the balestack push off (26) can be disposed between the pair of fork carriages(72′) (72″) of the bale stacker bed (24) and medially between the balestacker bed first end and the bale stack bed second end (68) (69) of thebale stack bed (24). In particular embodiments, the bale stack push off(26) can include a push off platform (94) disposed opposite a push offframe (95) and a lift assembly (96) arranged between the push off frame(95) and the push off platform (94) to displace the push off frame (95)and the push off platform (94) in relation to each other by the pushpull force (F9) provided by a bale stack push off actuators (97′)(97″),hydraulic cylinders (HC10′)(HC10″) to operate the lift assembly (96). Inthe illustrative example of FIG. 40, the lift assembly (96) includes twopairs of lift legs (98)(99) including lift leg first ends (100′) (100″)(101′) (101″) and lift leg second ends (102′) (102″) (103′) (103″) ofeach of the two pairs of lift legs (98) 99) to move towards or away fromeach other. To ensure that the push off platform (94) remainssubstantially parallel with the push off frame during operation (95), afirst pair of the lift leg first leg ends (100′) (100″) can be connectedto the push off frame (95) and the corresponding first pair of the liftleg second leg ends (102′) (102″) can be connected to the push offplatform (94) respectively through spatially fixed rotatable joints(104). The second pair of the lift leg first ends (101′)(101″) of thepush off frame (95) and the corresponding second pair of lift leg secondends (103′) (103″) of the push off platform (94) can be connectedrespectively through spatially fixed rotatable joints (105). The firstpair of lift legs (98) and the second pair of lift legs (99) can havesubstantially equal length. The spatially fixed rotatable joints(104)(105) of the first and second pair of lift leg first and second endcan be respectively coupled to the push off platform (94) and push offframe (95) a distance apart to allow the first and second pair of legs(98)(99) second ends (102′)(102″)(103′)(103″) to concurrently travelthrough respective arcs of substantially the same radius to maintain theplatform (94) substantially parallel with the push off frame duringoperation (95) between the retracted condition (92) and the extendedcondition (93).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a bale stacker andmethods for making and using such a bale stacker.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “stack” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “stacking”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “stacking”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “stack” and even a “means forstacking”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled”or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directlycoupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, dependingupon the embodiment.

Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term“integrated” when referring to two or more components means that thecomponents (i) can be united to provide a one-piece construct, amonolithic construct, or a unified whole, or (ii) can be formed as aone-piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole. Saidanother way, the components can be integrally formed, meaning connectedtogether so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as towork together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to beincapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity ofthe piece or unit.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the bale stackers herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The elements following anopen transitional phrase such as “comprising” may in the alternative beclaimed with a closed transitional phrase such as “consistingessentially of” or “consisting of” whether or not explicitly indicatedthe description portion of the specification.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

I claim:
 1. A bale lift adapted to pivotally couple to a chassis of abale stacker said bale lift comprising: a pair of elongate lift armsadapted to pivotally couple in spaced apart relation to a bale stackerchassis by lift arm first ends and outwardly extending from said chassisfront end to terminate in lift arm second ends, said pair of elongatelift arms rotatable from a primarily horizontal orientation to aprimarily vertical orientation in relation to said bale stacker chassis;a bale gripper head, including: a bale gripper crosspiece rotatablycoupled to said lift arm second ends of said pair of elongate lift arms;a pair of bale gripper arms each including one elongate bar, said pairof bale gripper arms having gripper arm first ends correspondinglypivotally coupled to opposite bale gripper crosspiece ends and outwardlyextending from said bale gripper crosspiece ends to terminate in agripper arm second ends, wherein; said bale gripper crosspiece rotatableto rotate said pair of bale gripper arms about said lift arm secondends; said pair of bale gripper arms rotatable to increase or decreasedistance between said gripper arm second ends to grip a bale betweensaid pair of gripper arms, and wherein; when said bale lift pivotallycoupled to said chassis of said bale stacker, said bail lift upstream ofa bail receiving platform over a cab, and a bale stack bed; a baletransfer table pivotably coupled to said chassis between said bale stackbed and said bail receiving platform.
 2. A bale stacker, comprising: abale receiving platform disposed over a bale stacker chassis, said balereceiving platform located to receive bales released from a pair ofgripper arms over said bale receiving platform, said pair of balegripper arms rotated to increase distance between second ends of saidgripper arms to release said bale from said bale gripper arms to saidbale receiving platform; a bale transfer table having a bale transfertable first end pivotally coupled to a bale stacker chassis of said balestacker and extending in an angled relation to said bale stackerchassis, said bale transfer table receiving a plurality of bales fromsaid bale receiving recceing platform, said plurality of bales slidingupon said bale transfer table into a bale stack, said bale transfertable second end rotatable to a primarily vertical orientation inrelation to said bale stacker chassis to dispose said bale stack inprimarily vertical relation to said chassis; a bale stack bed includinga bale stack bed first end opposite a bale stack bed second end, saidbale stack bed pivotally mounted proximate said bale stack bed first endto said bale stacker chassis to allow rotation of said bale stack bedbetween at an angle of about twenty degrees to said bale stacker chassiswith said bale stack bed second end disposed proximate and above saidbale transfer table first end to and angle of about ninety degrees tosaid bale stacker chassis; at least one fork disposed in generallyorthogonal relation to said bale stack bed, said at least one forkmovable between said bale stack bed first end and said bale stack bedsecond end; a bale shuffler including a pair of bale shuffler armsadapted to pivotally couple to opposite bale stacker chassis sides of abale stacker chassis of a bale stacker, said pair of bale shuffler armsupwardly extending on opposite bale stack bed sides of a bale stack bedto terminate in bale shuffler arm second ends, said pair of baleshuffler arms pivotally coupled to opposite bale stacker chassis sidesof said bale stacker each rotatable a pivot axis by operation of ahydraulic cylinder to decrease distance between said bale shuffler armsecond ends, said bale shuffler arms when rotated, angled toward eachother to engage opposite bale sides of a bale stack to align a pluralityof bale end walls in said bale stack; wherein, said bale stack bedsecond end abutting said bale stack disposed on said bale stack transfertable provides a fulcrum on which said bale stack pivots as said baletransfer table moves toward said primarily vertical orientation todispose said bale stack proximate said bale stack bed second end; saidbale stack disposed on said bale stack bed abutting said at least onefork; and, said bale shuffler further comprising a plurality of baleshuffler cross members coupled in spaced apart angled relation to eachof said pair of bale shuffler arms, said plurality of bale shufflercross members adapted to correspondingly engage a pair of bale stacksdisposed on said bale stack bed to align bale stack sides of said pairof bale stacks.